Before the countdown reached its climax on Saturday (November 17), there was a collective intake of breath as people waited for the illuminations to set the centre of Peterborough alight.

And as soon as celebrities, including dance star Wayne Sleep, flicked the switch, a collective roar rose up from the huge crowd packed into Cathedral Square.

The event heralded the start of the city's Christmas festivities and this year's was dubbed "bigger, better, busier and louder" than ever by compere and Hereward FM DJ Kev Lawrence.

Earlier in the day, families tucking into mince pies, bratwurst and samosas were entertained by stilt-walkers dressed as angels.

And to get everyone in the mood for the main event, former Coronation Street star Richard Fleeshman and X Factor finalist Daniel De Bourg belted out songs to screams from their fans.

They were later joined on stage by the Mayor of Peterborough, Cllr Marion Todd, Mr Sleep, panto dame Michael Cross, who was dressed as Mother Goose, and Father Christmas for the grand switch-on.

There was a real carnival atmosphere to the evening, with artificial snow adding to the sparkle for the crowd of up to 6,000 people.

But at one point, people keen to get a better look were urged not to surge forward to prevent a crush.

Several had to be helped up by stewards after toppling over in the melee, but there were not believed to be any serious injuries.

The city council used "spotters" high above the throng over the HMV shop to keep an eye on crowd control.

A police spokeswoman said there were no serious incidents at the event.

Meanwhile, some residents thought the festive celebrations were literally out of this world. The Evening Telegraph was inundated with callers reporting strange lights in the sky.

But they saw the funny side when they realised they were not UFOs, but the beams from the laser light show at Cathedral Square.

Pals Zarina Rogalla (13) and Kristina Wilson (13), from Werrington, couldn't help linking hands and dancing to one of the Christmas tunes blaring out of the sound system.

Zarina said: "The songs are really getting us into the Christmas mood. We are here just to see the light switch on and have been queuing since 1pm."

Kristina said: "There are definitely more people than last year."

Katherine Ross (27), from Whittlesey, brought her excited daughters, Abbie (8) and Ella (6), along to enjoy the festivities.

She said: "It's been really good so far. Abbie is a big fan of X Factor and can't wait to see Daniel."

Her friend Debbie McGarvie (27), who was with her son, Shay (5), said: "It's all about letting the kids have a good time. Shay is here for the fair. I'm here for the atmosphere."

Speaking before he took to the stage, Richard Fleeshman said he was looking forward to singing his new single in front of his fans.

He said: "It's an exciting time for me.

"I have been to Peterborough before, because I was a guest at Truckfest. I was really made welcome and it was a nice sunny day.

"I'm looking forward to playing the new song and maybe a couple of album tracks."

City centre director Annette Joyce said: "We had one of the biggest crowds and it was so nice to hear people saying they were proud of Peterborough as I was walking through."

The event was hosted by the city council, along with Hereward FM.

There were also festive light switch-ons at other venues across the city, including Rivergate, in the city centre, and Santa's Grotto opened at Serpentine Green shopping centre, in Hampton.